The "I Want to Draw a Cat For You" guy talks about what really happens after your company gets the funding it's been seeking (in his case, from "Shark Tank")—after all, that's when the real hustle begins.

"Shark Tank"—the prime-time feeding frenzy where successful entrepreneurs fight over promising startups, and ruthlessly chew up the unprepared—provides a wealth of knowledge about what venture capitalists need to hear before they invest in your company.

In an industry where there will likely be less dry powder to spread around, entrepreneurs who think like investors will be in high demand. From a VC standpoint, there's a single number that all entrepreneurs should keep their eyes on to become one of the success stories.

In our quest for escape velocity, my startup, Contently, nearly exploded on a dozen occasions. Looking back on that first year with a mix of pride and regret, I realize our blunders helped us mature as entrepreneurs. But not everyone has to fail to grow up. Here are six mistakes we made that you shouldn't.

Large venture-capital investments are increasingly taking a backseat to bootstrapping or angel investors, with startups looking for smaller injections that allow more retention of ownership. Founders will have more sway as investment increasingly becomes optional and as more choices become available to them.

Raising money is hard. And when you’re relatively new to the process, it’s easy to be confused by the process. But fund raising is, above all, a sale—pure and simple. The sooner you understand that the sooner you can plan your campaign.

For entrepreneurs looking to grow their company, it is fine right to consider using consultants to supplement your weak spots. Just be focused on whether the conversation you are having is one where you believe you are raising money or spending money, because rarely is it both when it comes to seed and early-stage investors.